Chapter 5: Taming the Black One

Regardless of Kama's inner frustration, on the other side of the battlefield, Zhang Xiao was locked in a fierce struggle with the demon scorpion. A golden Buddhist realm unfolded above Zhang Xiao’s brow, from which golden lotuses emerged, each landing with the weight of a mountain upon the scorpion’s carapace.

Transforming into a Xuanwu, Zhang Xiao stomped the ground, sending countless stone spikes erupting upward, catching the demon scorpion off guard. Meanwhile, a giant serpent manifested from Zhang Xiao’s demonic energy proved even more vexing; the moment the scorpion showed the slightest lapse in concentration, the serpent would strike. What made it most troublesome was that the serpent was merely a construct of demonic energy—even if the scorpion tore it to shreds, a single thought from Zhang Xiao would cause the scattered energy to coalesce once more, perpetually harassing the beast.

Having lost its tail, the demon scorpion struggled to fend off the combined assault of Zhang Xiao’s avatar and true form. The demon core hanging above its head began to dim. Anxiety mounted within the scorpion, yet Zhang Xiao fought with increasing vigor, his spiritual energy seemingly inexhaustible as he unleashed a relentless barrage of techniques.

Sensing the tide of battle turning, the scorpion grew timid and sought to retreat, attempting to inhale its demon core back into its body. Zhang Xiao, however, would not allow this. He spat out the Tianyang Sword, which shot forth like a bolt of lightning, blocking the scorpion’s path.

Panic seized the beast. Demon races, regardless of strength, possessed only a single demon core before reaching the Nascent Soul stage—it was the very essence of their life. Losing it would not kill the beast, but it would surely result in a catastrophic drop in cultivation. Driven by desperation, the scorpion lashed out with its massive pincers at the Tianyang Sword, utterly disregarding all other attacks.

But the Tianyang Sword was no ordinary artifact. At a thought from Zhang Xiao, it erupted with a brilliant silver light, transforming into a silver dragon that swallowed the demon core in one gulp before returning to its master. Seeing its core stolen, the scorpion was struck with terror. Without the core’s support, it was no match for Zhang Xiao and turned to burrow into the earth to escape.

Unfortunately, the once-unfailing earth-burrowing technique was useless against Zhang Xiao in his Xuanwu form. He stamped the ground, instantly hardening it into steel. The scorpion crashed into the surface, left only with a dizzy head for its efforts.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Xiao’s brow glowed with golden light. The Buddha’s Golden Wheel transformed into a golden flying sword, striking like a meteor toward the scorpion. Faced with the incoming blade, the beast felt its spirit shatter and cried out in terror, "Stop! Spare my life, and I am willing to serve you as your loyal servant!"

As the words left the scorpion’s mouth, Zhang Xiao hesitated, redirecting the golden sword so that it grazed the scorpion’s head, slicing the hill behind it into two. Relieved that he hadn't killed the beast, Zhang Xiao took a breath.

A demon beast at the early stage of the Spirit Refining realm—if not for the initial injury caused by his Xuanwu cannon, Zhang Xiao would have had little confidence in winning. Having such a creature by his side would significantly boost his strength and provide a formidable helper for when he was outnumbered. It was no wonder he felt this way; beyond his avatar, his Silver Armored Corpse was only equivalent to an early Nascent Soul practitioner, useful for small fry but useless against true experts.

More importantly, since this scorpion guarded the palace of the death god Anubis, it must hold secrets vital to Zhang Xiao obtaining the Water of Rebirth. He had no reason to let it go.

"Humph! Offer up your True Primordial Spirit," Zhang Xiao commanded. The True Primordial Spirit was the core essence of a demon, much like the one in Zhang Xiao’s own sea of consciousness. By controlling it, Zhang Xiao would hold the scorpion’s life in his hands regardless of its cultivation level.

Hearing this, the scorpion felt a chill run down its spine. The golden sword remained suspended behind its head, ready to shatter its consciousness at the slightest sign of betrayal. Zhang Xiao had no choice; he couldn't afford to be countered by a Spirit Refining beast, even one without its core. The scorpion, realizing its own plans for treachery were now impossible, surrendered its essence—a palm-sized point of light emerged from its brow. Zhang Xiao swallowed it, and after his avatar verified it was indeed the creature's true spirit, he felt at ease.

Recalling the Golden Wheel and returning to human form, the scorpion had no choice but to bow. "Master!" Zhang Xiao, born in the 21st century, found the term "Master" distasteful, so he instructed, "Don't call me Master. Just call me Young Master. By the way, do you have a name?"

"Yes, Young Ma—Young Master. My name is Kasa... my full name is..."

"That’s too long and convoluted. I’ll give you a new name. From today on, you’ll be called Heizi—simple and easy to remember." With that, the future legacy of a lecherous Demon Emperor was born.

After subduing Heizi, Zhang Xiao had the beast lead him to a safe location. Though he appeared valiant, he was near exhaustion. Heizi led him deep underground into a vast cavern adorned with glowing crystals and ores. "Hehe, Young Master, how do you like this cave? I spent a great deal of effort decorating it," Heizi boasted.

"It’ll do," Zhang Xiao replied dryly. Compared to his own residences, this was nothing special. To his surprise, Zhang Xiao then flipped his palm, revealing the demon core. "Take it. Since you have submitted to me, I will return it to you."

Heizi was overwhelmed with gratitude. He did not know that Zhang Xiao had secretly left a strand of demonic energy within the core. It would dissipate over time, but for now, it allowed Zhang Xiao to sense the beast’s every move.

Zhang Xiao sat in meditation to recover. The "Seven-Transformation Mysterious Heaven Technique" was proving increasingly fascinating, as was the "Brahma Zen Scripture," which refined demonic energy. His true form and his avatar continued to work in tandem. After a full day and night, Zhang Xiao awoke and questioned Heizi about the palace of Anubis.

Heizi’s response was disappointing. "Young Master, I don't know much. I only have an instinctual command to guard the entrance and keep those without a token from entering. Besides me, there is a 'guard dog' at the gate."

"A guard dog?" Zhang Xiao asked. Heizi explained that it was the three-headed hellhound carved into the massive gate—a creature whose strength was not inferior to his own, perhaps even superior.

Just then, another giant scorpion crawled in and chattered to Heizi. Heizi waved it away and turned to Zhang Xiao. "Young Master, another group has arrived outside. They are all wearing black robes. Do you know them?"